Re: where to find out with serial number to verify whether my dslr is genuine or not?

@Birder27 wrote:I'm considering a used camera on eBay. Robert's Camera sent me the serial number, but claims not to know if it's Gray market

That is correct. Only Canon can tell you if the serial number is for a "Grey Market" camera.

"Grey Market" just means that there is no Canon Warranty with that camera. There is no difference in the actual camera as it is manufactured in the same factory to the same specs. It is the same camera.

The Canon Warranty is only one year. When buying a used camera, I wouldn't think there would be a Canon Warranty available. Canon warranty is supposed to be non-transferable, but in practice Canon will generally honor the 1 year warranty if you provide the original bill of sale for the camera.

I am sure Robert's camera does not have the original bill of sale so it doesn't mater whether or not it is "Grey Market".

Re: where to find out with serial number to verify whether my dslr is genuine or not?

Buying "Grey Market" gets an unnecessary bad rap. It is a trade off between price, and possible inconvenience.

If the camera needs warranty within the first year, "Grey Market" equipment will still get repaired under warranty. The only difference is who does that warranty work, and then how convenient, and and how quickly the warranty process is.

I have been buying and using Canon camera equipment for just over 40 years. I have never needed to use use the Canon Warranty because I have NEVER has anything fail in the first year.

In the end, it is nice to have choices, and for many saving money takes priority over convenience.

Re: where to find out with serial number to verify whether my dslr is genuine or not?

"There is no difference in the actual camera as it is manufactured in the same factory to the same specs. It is the same camera."

I am not saying the Roberts camera is different even if it is a grey market body but there can be and I have seen differences. One body I saw didn't have English menus for example. Possibly FW would correct that? I don't know. I don't know if Canon USA would even supply a new FW for you. They certainly would not be obligated to.

Roberts is a fine retailer so I would not worry about buying from them. I have dealt with them for years.

Re: where to find out with serial number to verify whether my dslr is genuine or not?

From what I was told a long time ago but don't remember the circumstance but it was related to either electronics or camera type things. When marketing (in this case cameras & lenses) in a market area (Canada & the US) a portion of the sale price goes into the warranty fund. Items bought in other markets didn't contribute to the fund & therefore they are not covered by it. It's a simple premise but sounds very logical considering markets are very different around the world especially when it comes to labour costs.

"A skill is developed through constant practice with a passion to improve, not bought."